Samuel Oberholtzer Eby

Former Postmaster Samuel O. Eby, of Bismarck, died there at 7 o'clock this morning of senile debility, following a stroke of apoplexy suffered four years ago. Ever since he was stricken, Mr. Eby had been helpless. A month ago his condition became serious and he failed rapidly thereafter, his death being expected. Mr. Eby was 76 years old and was a son of Christian (Peter) Eby. He was born at Hummelstown, and located at Bismarck, 51 years ago. After conducting a hotel business for 32 years, Mr. Eby retired to give his attention to his general store, continuing active in its management until his health no longer permitted him to do so. During his lifetime, Mr. Eby accumulated a considerable amount of property, and was rated as being very wealthy. His wife and two sons, Ambrose and John, both of Bismarck, a sister, Mrs. Anna Coble, of Bellaire, and a brother, Henry Eby, of Elizabethtown, survive. The only public office he held was that of postmaster, and the post is now filled by the son, Ambrose. [Lebanon Daily News, April 27, 1906, Page 1]

Samuel & Leah were married on January 26, 1854 in Dauphin Co., PA by J. F. MESICK, a German Reformed Church Minister. Samuel taught school, then farmed and in 1855 bought the Golden Ball Hotel in what is now Quentin, Lebanon Co., PA, in partnership with his brother George W. EBY. [Information provided by Find-A-Grave contributor Bob Ford - 47510868]

NOTE: When Samuel and Leah were married, the Dauphin County marriage record states that Samuel Eby, son of Peter and Mary Eby, married Leah Detwiler, daughter of Michael and Barbara Detwiler. Also the correct year of birth is 1830. The death certificate gives his correct year of birth, but then miscalculates the age. The gravestone has an incorrect age. Also, the name of the parents listed on the death certificate are incorrect. The parent connections on his Find-A-Grave memorial are verified by the Peter Eby family bible which is maintained by the Muddy Creek Farm Library. In the bible Peter states, "On the 15th July 1830 God gave me a son...Samuel O. Eby" [Information provided by Find-A-Grave contributor Denise Witwer Lahr - 47356680]